If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Dave's Astra G with Car PC

(Vauxhall) Opel Astra Mk4 2001 1.6 SXi

The car started as completely standard but has evolved over the years. I have added many features, some Car PC based and other just car based. I'm happy to answer any questions about the PC or the car :).

Here's a pic of the car as standard...

With the first iteration of the touchscreen...

And PC in the boot (nothings changed there )

I got the centre console customised to have the screen fitted...

And fitted it looks like this :)...

The car now looks like this...

The features I have added include steering wheel controls with K8055 to control PC, remote PC start using tailgate button on key fob, integrated dash indication for PC state and a timer delay to keep the PC alive whilst refulling.

I have finally got around to making a video of my Car PC in action. The purpose is to demonstrate the touchscreen, steering and voice control functions. You'll have to excuse the recording that makes me sound like a scared robot, lol.

Touchscreen demonstration

This is self-explanatory really, just demonstrating how reactive the touchscreen is and a selection of menus.

Steering Wheel demonstration

The steering wheel interface can be programmed for specific menu and default to a standard. I also demonstrate short press functions such as next/previous track, volume up/down, play/pause; and long press (2 seconds) functions such as Audio Player, GPS, Main Menu and Microphone.

Voice demonstration

Although self-explanatory I should mention that pressing the steering wheel button activates the microphone and mutes the music. I have found this to be very accurate, even when driving on motorways with reasonably loud road noise or passenger (kids) messing about. This is largely due to its location just in front of me on the steering wheel cowling.

I've used Liam (Briggz) for my stickers and gel badges, of which I have always been impressed with, and this batch was no exception. I asked for gel domed badges in the same font, colour and style of my ashtray 'Dave One' logo, and he delivered to spec .

Car PC time again..... For a while I have wanted a small wireless keyboard to stow more easily. After researching a while back I decided on a Logitech DiNovo Mini Wireless. It was just a case of waiting for the sun, moon and stars to align on eBay :).

Here's the Amazon image of the keyboard...

And here are some of the bits...

Here's the little fella :)...

And here it is stowed in the fuse box cubby...

The wireless transmitter/receiver is installed in the USB hub in the glove box and the range is more than adequate.

Let the hacking continue... This time I've hacked a Sony RM-X4S Remote to Control my Car PC.

I already have the steering wheel controls for general control and heated seat switches converted for menu selection but the Sony RM-X4S Remote is a combination of the two. My steering wheel controls require investigation as the Mk6 conversion has not worked properly since installation - I just need to remove the steering wheel controls and check the wiring.

The Sony RM-X4S Remote has what's known as a resistive ladder internally. General resistive ladders are open circuit or very high resistance until a button is pressed. The button press allows the circuit to complete at a lower resistance to which the detection device reacts.

Here's my calculations for the Arduino sketch (program) - For anyone interested in more details drop me a PM...

Here's the Sony RM-X4S Remote (I have a new one for fitment to the car thanks to @autosparks)...

Next job is to create a loom to supply 5v (taken from the USB hub:)), a load resistor (in this case 4.7k), the Arduino Uno voltage monitoring lead and a 3.5mm female jack for the Sony RM-X4S Remote to plug into.

The lead completed - not bad for the prototype test lead :)...

And fitted in the car for testing...

When fitted properly I'll post a pick of the actual location, likely to be on the steering column.